Anchor Program

Anchor Program

Bloomsburg University's Anchor Program provides youth, ages 15 to 18, involved in the Pennsylvania foster care system the opportunity to explore their academic interests and talents through a multi-year summer residential college life experience program and year-round mentorship opportunities to ensure that they are confident and prepared to make life choices like furthering their education and living independently.

Anchor Program Goals

Engage youth, ages 15 to 18, involved in the Pennsylvania foster care system in a week-long summer residential college life experience on Bloomsburg University’s campus (available multi-years).

Explore academic interests and talents through structured activities and workshops led by Bloomsburg University faculty.

Develop independent living and college readiness skills through engaging activities led by University faculty and students.

Connect with current Bloomsburg University students, fellow Anchor classmates, and Bloomsburg University faculty and staff through engaging activities.

Build a relationship with a Bloomsburg University mentor who will work with them throughout the year about topics such as developing academic goals, exploring academic disciplines (e.g. business, science, art, music), and researching post-secondary institutions, and navigating financial aid/scholarships.

Anchor Application Process

Any youth, ages 15 to 18, who is involved in the Pennsylvania foster care system and resides in any of Pennsylvania's 67 counties is eligible to apply for the Anchor Program. Interested youth should contact their Case Worker to obtain an application for the Program.

Anchor Program team members and County Foster Care Workers will evaluate applications and extend invitations to accepted applicants.

Program cost — Meals, housing, activities, and program materials are provided to Anchor participants at no cost to the student or foster family.

Residential program housing and activities — Anchor participants will be housed in dorms on campus and supervised 24 hours a day by University staff, including Bloomsburg University students that serve as residential staff, and faculty. Through hands on workshops and field trips led by program staff, students will explore a variety of academic disciplines like science, art, and English. Building leadership skills, learning healthy cooking tips, becoming certified in CPR/First Aid, and other independent living and college readiness skills will be incorporated into activities throughout the week as well. Finally, movie nights and other recreational activities will give Anchor students the opportunity to connect with fellow classmates and current University students.

Mentorship — The Anchor Program is a year-round, multi-year experience for students. Anchor participants will be matched with mentors (Bloomsburg University faculty, staff, or students) that will work with them throughout the year about topics such as developing academic goals, exploring academic disciplines (e.g. business, science, art, music), researching post-secondary institutions, and navigating financial aid/scholarships.

Community participation opportunities — There are many opportunities available for community members to be involved in the Anchor program including volunteering and donating to the program. Your financial or in-kind gift (e.g. school supplies) help to ensure that youth, ages 15 to 18, involved in foster care in Pennsylvania can participate in the Anchor program without any cost to them.